The 2016 General Assembly requested JLARC conduct a study on biosolids and industrial residuals that included the following directives: analyze the current scientific literature regarding the long-term effects of biosolids and industrial residuals on health, including potential impacts on well, surface, and ground water; evaluate the regulatory requirements for land application and storage evaluate the differences between biosolids and industrial residuals rated as “Class A” (Exceptional Quality) materials and “Class B” materials; and, evaluate the feasibility, especially for local governments, and including an economic impact on citizens of the Commonwealth, of requiring municipal utilities currently permitted to generate, as a byproduct of the municipal wastewater treatment process, “Class B” material to upgrade those facilities to generate “Class A” material.

JLARC conducts policy analysis, program evaluation, and oversight of state agencies on behalf of the Virginia General Assembly. The duties of the Commission are authorized by the Code of Virginia.

According to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission report on biosolids prepared in 2017, “localities indicated that their monitoring programs are valuable to them because they allow them to